Mobile phone having hinting capabilities for operation function selection

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and related method in which one or more modules are arranged and configured for determining in a device an operational context of a given functionality, providing in response to the determined operational context one or more operative sub-functionalities for selection associated with the determined operational context, and hinting at one or more one next probable operative sub-functionalities of the one or more operative sub-functionalities associated with the determined operational context. 
     In one embodiment, at least one next probable operative sub-functionality is communicated via a suitable alerting mechanism, wherein the suitable alerting mechanism is a first text menu list of suggested operative sub-functionalities available for selection, the first text menu list being shown on a display in response to a chosen desired operational context. In another embodiment, the suitable alerting mechanism comprises one or more selection hinting indicators configured and arranged for activation each of which is associated with a next probable operative sub-functionality.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/686,504 filed Oct. 14, 2003, from which priority is claimed under all applicable sections of Title 35 of the United States Code including, but not limited to, Sections 120, 121, and 365(c).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention deals generally with user operation of portable electronic devices and deals more particularly with mobile telephones such as a cellular telephone having hinting capabilities for making a user aware of possible next functions available for selection.

2. Discussion of Related Art

There has been an increasing demand for more and more features in portable electronic devices, particularly mobile telephones such as for example, cellular telephones. Generally, the operation of the features are carried out by operating a combination of one or more keys which may be selection keys or alphanumeric keys such as typically found on and used with cellular telephones. One such prior art cellular telephone is shown in FIG. 1 and generally designated 10. The cellular telephone includes a display 12 for displaying text and/or graphics, selection keys 14, 16 for selecting desired operational functionalities of the cellular phone, keypad means generally designated 18 for inputting alphanumeric characters to the phone, a scrolling means generally designated 20 which may be part of the keypad 18 for navigating operative sub-functionalities within a selected operational functionality, and various control keys 22 and 24, for example, to send a call or end a call. The alphanumeric keys 26, 26 may be part of a physical keypad 18 as illustrated or may be part of a virtual keypad, for example a keypad representation on the display screen of the device (not shown) and operated in a well known manner including pen and touch screen operation.

Many of the features included with the portable electronic device such as the cellular telephone are complex and their operation may be menu driven with multiple selection options available through nested sub-menus as illustrated in cascading menu form in FIG. 2 for example. Often, the menu sub-operation selections are not intuitive and cause the user to guess at which operations or key selections should be made to perform the desired operation selection for a given selected desired function.

Further, other features and functions may not be frequently used to enable the user to memorize the necessary sequence of operation steps to carry out the desired selected function much less to become proficient with the operation of the desired feature. Generally, user manuals accompany the portable electronic device to explain the step-by-step operations necessary to carry out the desired function. Obviously, it is inconvenient to carry and time consuming to refer to the user manual each time the user wants to select and operate a feature, particularly an unfamiliar feature or function. It is difficult, even with the user's manual to know with certainty which menu selection step to take in the sequence of steps to carry out or progress in the desired feature or function. Even with practice it takes some time to learn with confidence the steps and possible operational functions available for selection to carry out the desired feature or function.

It would be desirable to provide portable electronic devices such as mobile telephones and particularly cellular telephones that overcome the limitations and deficiencies of the prior art in learning, selecting, and operating desired features and functions of the device.

It would be further desirable if a user of the device could be made aware without guessing of possible operation functions available for selection in a desired chosen function.

Accordingly, what is needed is a way to provide a portable electronic device such as a mobile telephone and particularly a cellular telephone with hinting capabilities to make a user aware of next possible operation functions available for selection in a desired chosen function.

What is also needed is a way to provide a method for use in a portable electronic device such as a mobile telephone and particularly a cellular telephone that serves as a learning tool to assist a user to learn the necessary operation functions in a desired chosen function.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first broad aspect of the invention, one or more modules are arranged and configured for determining in a device an operational context of a given functionality, providing in response to the determined operational context one or more operative sub-functionalities for selection associated with the determined operational context, and hinting at one or more one next probable operative sub-functionalities of the one or more operative sub-functionalities associated with the determined operational context. In some embodiments, at least one next probable operative sub-functionality is communicated via a suitable alerting mechanism, wherein the suitable alerting mechanism is a first text menu list of suggested operative sub-functionalities available for selection, the first text menu list being shown on a display in response to a chosen desired operational context. In some embodiments, the suitable alerting mechanism comprises one or more selection hinting indicators configured and arranged for activation each of which is associated with a next probable operative sub-functionality. In some embodiments, a text menu list containing at least one next probable operative sub-functionality is displayed in response to the operation of a corresponding one of the one or more selection hinting indicators. In some embodiments, one or more modules is further configured and arranged for deactivating the suitable alerting mechanism. In some embodiments, the suitable alerting mechanism further comprises one or more user action prompting instructions. In some embodiments, the user action prompting instruction is a text message representation. In some embodiments, the user action prompting instruction is a graphic message representation. In some embodiments, the activated selection hinting indicator is illuminated. In some embodiments, the activated selection hinting indicator is arranged to flash on and off. In some embodiments, the activated selection hinting indicator is color illuminated. In some embodiments, the suitable alerting mechanism comprises one or more selection hinting indicators graphically represented on the display each of which graphically represented selection hinting indicators is configured and associated with a next probable operative sub-functionality corresponding to the given operational context and sequence progression step in the selected desired operational sub-functionality. In some embodiments, the hinting indicators respond to contact by a screen touch operation. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured as a mobile phone. In some embodiments, the suitable alerting mechanism comprises one or more distinctive tones each of which tones corresponds to a given selection hinting indicator associated with a next probable operative sub-functionality available for user selection. In some embodiments, the suitable alerting mechanism comprises an icon of a selection hinting indicator corresponding to a short-cut key for carrying out the operational sequence progression steps corresponding to the selected desired operational sub-functionality. In some embodiments, the apparatus has at least one menu driven operational functionality. In some embodiments, one or more modules are arranged and configured for hinting at one or more one next probable operative sub-functionalities is arranged for voice announcement of the one or more hinted next feature selections available from a list of features in the menu driven operational functionality. In some embodiments, the hinting at one or more one next probable operative sub-functionalities is arranged for voice recognition for responding to a spoken feature selection.

In accordance with a second broad aspect of the invention, an operational context of a given functionality is determined in a device. One or more operative sub-functionalities for selection associated with the determined operational context are provided in response to the determined operational context. One or more next probable operative sub-functionalities of the one or more operative sub-functionalities associated with the determined operational context are hinted at. In some embodiments, all operative sub-functionalities available for selection are identified. In some embodiments, a suitable alerting mechanism of the device is associated with each of the operative sub-functionalities as a hinting indicator. In some embodiments, the hinting indicator for hinting of its availability for selection as a next probable operational sub-functionality is activated. In some embodiments, the hinting indicator is illuminated. In some embodiments, the hinting indicator is illuminated in a color. In some embodiments, the hinting indicator is illuminated by flashing on and off. In some embodiments, an icon representing the associated hinting indicator is shown on a display of the device for hinting of its availability for selection as a next probable operational sub-functionality. In some embodiments, the associated hinting indicator is a short-cut key. In some embodiments, one or more distinctive audio tones is provided, each of which tones corresponds to an identified associated hinting indicator. In some embodiments, one or more of the associated hinting indicators are activated to select the operational functionality corresponding to the activated associated hinting indicator. In some embodiments, one or more of the associated hinting indicators are activated through voice recognition operation by speaking the name of the hinting indicator. In some embodiments, a hinting indicator responds to contact by a screen touch operation.

A third broad aspect of the invention provides a computer program product with a program code, which program code is stored on a machine readable carrier, for carrying out a method comprising determining in a device an operational context of a given functionality, providing in response to the determined operational context, one or more operative sub-functionalities for selection associated with the determined operational context, and hinting at one or more next probable operative sub-functionalities of the one or more available operative sub-functionalities associated with the determined operational context.

In accordance with a fourth broad aspect of the invention, an apparatus comprises means for determining in a device an operational context of a given functionality, means for providing in response to the determined operational context one or more operative sub-functionalities for selection associated with the determined operational context, and means for hinting at one or more one next probable operative sub-functionalities of the one or more operative sub-functionalities associated with the determined operational context.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following written description taken in conjunction with the following drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a menu driven operation selection mobile telephone typical of the prior art;

FIG. 2 shows an example of a prior art nested menu in which a subsequent lower level menu functionality item is chosen and selected from a previous list of higher level menu functionality items;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a mobile phone embodying the present invention having hinting capabilities for operation function selection;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the mobile phone of the present invention with illuminated keys to indicate next possible sub-functionality operations available for selection for accessing the global computer network;

FIG. 5 shows the mobile phone of FIG. 4 wherein the next possible user operation is hinted as a result of operating a corresponding one of the illuminated keys;

FIG. 6 shows the mobile phone of FIG. 5 wherein the next possible user operation is hinted by illuminated keys of the keypad as a result of the beginning character string of a URL address being shown in the window;

FIG. 7 shows the mobile phone of FIG. 5 wherein a history list of URL's is shown on the display as a result of operating the illuminated scroll key;

FIG. 8 shows the mobile phone of FIG. 7 wherein the scroll key is illuminated to hint that the scroll key may be operated to move through the URL list to select the desired URL address;

FIG. 9 shows the mobile phone of FIG. 8 wherein the URL address has been selected and the scroll key and the talk key are illuminated to hint that a different URL address can be selected or that the selected URL address can be sent by operating the talk key;

FIG. 10 shows the mobile phone of FIG. 4 wherein the alphanumeric keys of the keypad are illuminated to hint at entering the desired URL address;

FIG. 11 shows the mobile phone of FIG. 10 wherein the desired URL address has been keyed in and the talk key is illuminated to hint that the URL address can be sent by operating the talk key;

FIG. 12 shows the mobile phone of FIG. 6 wherein the alphanumeric keys of the keypad are illuminated to hint at entering the desired URL address from the look-up list of URL's;

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of an alternate embodiment of the mobile phone of the present invention showing graphic representations of keys to hint at next possible sub-functionality operations available for selection for accessing the global computer network;

FIG. 14 shows the mobile phone of FIG. 13 wherein completing the beginning character string of a URL address is hinted by the alphanumeric text to suggest operating the alphanumeric keys of the keypad;

FIG. 15 shows the mobile phone of FIG. 13 wherein entering a URL address is hinted by the scroll key representation to suggest operating the scroll key to enter the URL address;

FIG. 16 shows the mobile phone of FIG. 15 wherein the scroll key is shown to hint at moving through a list of URL addresses to select a desired URL address and the talk key is represented to hint the URL address can be sent by operating the talk key;

FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of a further alternate embodiment of the mobile phone of the present invention utilizing a virtual keypad shown on the display for the selection and alphanumeric keys to operate the mobile phone;

FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram showing the major functional elements of a mobile telephone embodying the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a schematic representation of a further alternate embodiment of the mobile phone of the present invention utilizing audio tones to identify keys to hint at next possible sub-functionality operations available for selection;

FIG. 20 is a schematic representation of a further alternate embodiment of the mobile phone of the present invention utilizing voice generation to announce next featured selection available from a list of features in a menu driven operational function;

FIG. 21 is a schematic block diagram showing the major functional elements of an alternate embodiment of the mobile phone of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of the method of the present invention for hinting at next possible user operation in a mobile telephone;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an alternate embodiment of the method of the present invention for hinting at next possible user operation in a mobile telephone;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a further alternate embodiment of the method of the present invention for hinting at next possible user operation in a mobile telephone;

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the method of the present invention for hinting at next possible user operation in a mobile telephone;

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing the major functional elements of one embodiment of the mobile phone of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings and considering the invention in further detail wherein like reference numbers refer to like parts throughout the drawings, FIG. 25 shows a flowchart generally designated as 600 having basic steps or actions 600 a, 600 b, 600 c for implementing the inventive method according to some embodiments of the present invention, for example in a suitable electronic device or apparatus, comprising determining in a device an operational context of a given functionality (step 600 a), providing in response to the determined operational context, one or more operative sub-functionalities for selection associated with the determined operational context (step 600 b), and hinting at one or more next probable operative sub-functionalities of the one or more available operative sub-functionalities associated with the determined operational context (step 600 c). These steps 600 a, 600 b, and 600 c may be implemented in one or more modules configured to do the same in such device such as for example a mobile telephone, cellular telephone or such like device. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the order in which the steps or actions in FIG. 25 are performed. Further, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular implementation using technology now known or developed in the future for hinting at one or more next probable operative sub-functionalities of the one or more available operative sub-functionalities associated with the determined operational context.

It is to be understood that the aforementioned methods may include other steps known in the art that do not form a part of the underlying invention.

FIG. 26 shows by way of example, a mobile communication device generally designated 700 in the form of a hinting enabled device generally designated 710 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The hinting enabled device 710 has one or more hinting modules 720 including a module 720 a configured for determining in a device an operational context of a given functionality, a module 720 b configured for providing in response to the determined operational context, one or more operative sub-functionalities for selection associated with the determined operational context, and a module 700 c configured for hinting at one or more one next probable operative sub-functionalities of the one or more operative sub-functionalities associated with the determined operational context.

Consistent with that described above, the hinting enabled device 710 is shown in the form of a mobile communication device 700 or other suitable electronic device such as a mobile telephone, cellular telephone or such like device now known or developed in the future. The hinting enabled device 710 may also have other device modules 730 that do not form part of the underlying invention and are not described in detail herein.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a mobile phone such as a cellular telephone embodying the present invention having hinting capabilities for operation function selection and is generally designated 100. The cellular telephone 100 is somewhat conventional in appearance and has a display 102 for showing text or graphics, a keypad or other similar means 104 for inputting alphanumeric characters to the phone by way of alphanumeric keys 106, 106. The cellular telephone 100 also includes means such as contact buttons or switch keys 108, 110 for selecting desired operational functionalities of the cellular telephone. The cellular telephone also includes means such as a scroll key 112 for navigating operative sub-functionalities within a selected operational functionality of the cellular telephone. The functionalities are typical of that available with cellular telephones and may include, for example, short text messaging, connection to the computer global network, selections of prior pre-programmed messages, list of addresses, names, or other typical addresses and information and data associated with conventional cellular telecommunication devices. The scroll key 112 is shown as having directional capabilities which are activated by pressing on the marginal areas 114, 116, 118, 120 to navigate or move about through the particular display graphic, pictorial or text shown on the display 102 in an upward and a downward vertical direction or a sideward left and right horizontal direction. The scroll key 112 also includes a central portion 122 which functions as an entry or selection contact switch typically by pushing on the center of the scroll key to effectuate operation. The cellular telephone 100 additionally includes other control keys, for example, a talk key 124 which is typically used to send a message or to initiate a dialing sequence to complete the call, and a control key 126, for example, which is used to end or terminate a call. The cellular telephone 100 also includes additional control keys 128, 130, 132 which are typically used to access various functions and features of the cellular telephone and as explained in further detail herein below are utilized with other keys to make a user aware of one or more next possible operative sub-functionalities available for user selection in the selected operational functionality, in other words, providing a hinting capability for operation of a next function selection from the current step in the call progression or function access sequence. Although the cellular telephone 100 is disclosed herein in numerous illustrative embodiments of the present invention, it will be recognized that the cellular telephone 100 may also operate in a conventional menu driven mode such as shown, for example, by the menu sequence illustrated in FIG. 2.

Turning now to FIG. 4, one embodiment of the mobile phone of the present invention has various illuminated keys to hint at or make the user aware of next possible sub-functionality options available for selection and is illustrated schematically therein and generally designated 100. For purposes of explanation and illustration of the invention, the specific desired function selected deals with accessing the global computer network wherein the user has operated one of the selection keys, for example, 108, 110 to initiate the desired operational functionality. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the user is made aware that function to access the global computer network requires an additional action as indicated by the instruction text message “Enter URL” designated 134 and shown on the display 102 and the appearance of a window 140 on the display 102. The user at this stage of the sequence to access the global computer network can either guess at what the next possible step or action should be or in accordance with the present invention, observe that the control key 128 is illuminated and that the scroll key 112 is illuminated. The illuminated keys 128 and 112 hint or suggest to the user that operating one of these keys might somehow be related to the function of entering the URL to gain access to the global computer network. Thus, it is suggested to the user by the cellular telephone 100 by way of the illuminated keys 112, 128 that the user could possibly operate one or the other of these keys to achieve the intended function to access the global computer network. For purposes of example and explanation of the present invention, the user may decide to operate the control key 128 and which operation causes the beginning character string “www.” of a URL address to be shown in the text window 140 on the display 102 of the cellular telephone 100 as illustrated in FIG. 5. The appearance of the initial character string “www.” of the URL address as illustrated in FIG. 5, suggests to the user and hints that a further entry is required. In this context, the user is aware that the scroll key 112 is illuminated to suggest that this key has a possible operational relationship to the function that is being attempted, and in this example, accessing the computer global network. The user may then operate the scroll key 112 by pushing on the center region 122 which causes a history list of URL's 150 to be shown on the display 102 as illustrated in FIG. 7. The scroll key 112 continues to be illuminated as illustrated in FIG. 7 suggesting to the user that further possible functionality is available through operation of the scroll key 112 such as, for example, the ability to navigate or move through the list of URL addresses shown on the display 102. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the user may navigate through the list of URL addresses using the scroll key 112 to highlight each address to identify to the user the location of the scrolling cursor in a well known manner to select for example a desired address as highlighted and generally indicated 152. If the URL address 152 is the address that the user desires, operating the scroll key 112 by pushing on the center region 122 causes the URL address to appear in the window 140 as illustrated in FIG. 9. Still referring to FIG. 9, the scroll key 112 and the talk key 124 are illuminated suggesting to the user that either one or both of these keys may be available for possible further functionality selection. In this context, the scroll key 112 may be operated to cause the URL address history list 150 to reappear on the display 102 and to make a different URL address available for selection. Alternately, in this context, the user may determine that the selected URL address shown in the window 140 is the desired and correct URL address and then operate the talk button 124 to send the URL address from the cellular phone 100 in a well known manner to access the global computer network.

Referring again to FIG. 4 and considering an alternate user operating sequence, the cellular telephone 100 is illustrated with an illuminated scroll key 112 and illuminated control key 128 to make the user aware of and hint at possible operations for entering the URL address in accordance with the text instruction message “Enter URL” 134 shown on the display 102. In this example, the user operates the illuminated control key 128 with the resulting URL address leading character string “www.” being shown in the window 140 of the display 102 as illustrated in FIG. 6. In this context operation of the control key 128 causes the alphanumeric keys 106, 106 of the keypad 104 to illuminate suggesting to the user that the alphanumeric keys 106, 106 are somehow related to the next possible user operation to access or complete the selected desired functionality. In the context presented in FIG. 6, the cellular telephone 100 hints that operation of the alphanumeric keys 106, 106 may be used to enter the remaining characters of the character string for the desired URL address.

Turning now to FIG. 10, the cellular telephone 100 is illustrated therein with the alphanumeric keys 106, 106 of the keypad 104 illuminated to suggest or hint to the user that the keys 106, 106 are somehow related to the context and sequence of entering the URL address in the window 140. The user then selects the appropriate illuminated alphanumeric keys 106, 106 of the keypad 104 to enter the desired URL address in the window 140 shown on the display 102 as illustrated in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 11, the alphanumeric keys 106, 106 are extinguished after the URL address is entered and the talk key 124 is now illuminated suggesting to the user that operation of this key is a next possible function available for access to send the URL address from cellular telephone 100 to access the global computer network.

In a further alternate embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 12, the cellular telephone 100 shows on the display 102 a history list of URL's 150 as a consequence of operating the scroll button 122, during the sequence progression steps in the desired operational functionality for example, in the context shown in FIG. 6 to bring up and show the history list as illustrated in FIG. 7 and also cause the appearance of the leading character string “www.” of a URL address in the window 140. In FIG. 12, the alphanumeric keys 106, 106 are illuminated suggesting to the user that these alphanumeric keys 106, 106 are somehow related to the next possible sub-functionality operation available for selection for accessing the global computer network. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the user may key in the URL address using the alphanumeric keys 106, 106 in accordance with the desired URL address 154 illustrated or shown in the URL history list 150. Upon entry of the appropriate URL address, the talk key 124 will illuminate suggesting to the user that this key is a next possible sub-functionality operation available for selection to complete the access to the global computer network. The alphanumeric keys 106, 106 may continue to be illuminated or may be extinguished in accordance with the desired cellular telephone operation. Likewise, the alphanumeric keys 106, 106 may be illuminated with different colors or may flash on and off to make the user aware of their possible use in the sequence progression and completing the desired functionality.

Turning now to FIG. 13, an alternate embodiment of the mobile phone of the present invention is schematically illustrated therein and generally designated 200. The mobile phone 200 is a cellular telephone and includes a display 202, a keypad generally designated 204 which includes alphanumeric keys 206, 206, a scroll key 208 for controlling the direction of movement of a cursor shown on the display 202 by pressing the outer ring in the area 210 to move upward, 212 to move downward, 214 to move to the right and 216 to move horizontally to the left. The center region 218 of the scroll key 208 is depressed to select or enter the function or feature or to complete the sequence associated with the given operation utilizing the scroll key in the manner well known to those skilled in the cellular telephone art. The keypad 204 also includes a number of control keys 230, 232, 234 which are used in the control and operation of the cellular phone 200. The cellular phone 200 also includes a talk key 224 and an end call key 226 and optionally selection keys 220, 222 for selecting a desired given operational function. By way of example, as shown in FIG. 13 the user desires to access the global computer network and the text message instruction “Enter URL” 246 is shown on the display screen 202. Additionally, a graphic representation or icon 240 corresponding to control key 234 and a graphic representation or icon 242 corresponding to the scroll key 208 is shown on the display to suggest to the user and hint at next possible sub-functionality operations available for selection to access the global computer network. In addition, an “abc marker” icon 244 is shown on the display screen 202 along with the control key icon 240 and scroll key icon 242 again hinting to the user the next possible operative sub-functionalities available for selection. In one possible sequence, the user operates the control key 234 corresponding to the control key icon 240 shown on the display 202 of the cellular phone 200 with the result that the leading character string “www.” of a URL address appears in the window 260 on the display 202 as illustrated in FIG. 14. The instruction text message “Enter URL” 246 also appears on the display 202 along with the “abc marker” icon 244, to hint to the user that the missing portion of the character string of the desired URL address may be completed by operating the appropriate alphanumeric keys 206, 206 of the keypad 204 to complete the desired URL address character string in a similar manner as described above in connection with FIG. 10. Alternately, if the user operates the scroll key 208 by depressing the center region 218 as suggested by the scroll key icon 242 in FIG. 13 in response to the instruction text message “Enter URL” 246 a look-up history list of URL addresses 250 would be shown on the display 202 as illustrated in FIG. 15. The instruction text message “Enter URL” 246 continues to be shown on the display 202 along with the scroll key icon 242 to suggest or hint to the user that further operation of the scroll key 208 could cause movement through the list of URL addresses for purposes of selecting a desired address. The navigation through the URL address list 250 is in the upper vertical direction by operating the scroll key portion 210 and downward by operating the scroll key portion 212 much like a joystick to control movement through the list and stopping at a desired URL address, for example, the URL address generally designated 252. The desired URL address is selected by operating the portion 218 of the scroll key 208 with the result that the URL address appears in the window 260 of the display 202 as illustrated in FIG. 16. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the scroll key icon 242 is shown to hint that the user can move through the list of URL addresses 250 to select a different desired URL address other than the address appearing in the window 260 corresponding to the URL address 252. A talk key or icon 246 corresponding to the talk key 224 also appears on the display 202 hinting to the user that the URL address shown in the window 260 can be sent by operating the talk key 224 to send the URL address from the cellular phone 200 to access the global computer network.

Turning now to FIG. 17, a further alternate embodiment of the mobile phone of the present invention is schematically illustrated therein and generally designated 300. In this embodiment, the mobile phone is a cellular phone 300 and has a virtual keypad shown on the display 302 and includes a graphic representation of alphanumeric keys 304, 304 each of which may be operated and respond to contact, for example, by a stylus or other pen or screen touch operation to select the desired key as well know to those skilled in the art. The display 302 also includes a graphic representation of a scroll key 310, a talk key 312 and an end call key 314 each of which is likewise operated through contact with a stylus or other means well known to those skilled in the art to effectuate their operation. The display 302 also includes, for example, an instruction text message instruction for a desired given functionality such as the “Enter URL” instruction text message 316 shown on the display 302 generally positioned above a text window 320 also shown on display 302. The alphanumeric keys 304, 304, and control keys 306 and 308 may be illuminated or flash to hint to the user that operation of these keys are related to further sub-functionalities available for accessing the global computer network through entry of a URL address in the window 320 in a similar manner as described above in connection with the cellular phones 100 and 200.

A schematic block diagram showing the major functional elements of a mobile telephone such as a cellular telephone embodying the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 18 and generally designated 400. Electronic circuit means 402 appropriate for carrying out the functions of the cellular telephone is provided. A controller circuit means 404 which may be part of the electronic circuit means 402 but for purposes of explanation is shown as a separate functional element in FIG. 18 cooperates with an instruction set contained within a memory means 406 and means for input and function selection 408 and a display means 410 for showing alphanumeric text messages, commands, graphics or other indicia, pictorials and representations as may be desired or required. The operation and interconnection of the major functional elements of the mobile phone are well know to those skilled in the art and the reader is referred to the appropriate literature and instruction manuals that are generally available for further details and which literature and manuals are incorporated herein by reference to the extent needed to provide further explanation of the operation of the major functional elements.

Turning now to FIG. 19, a schematic representation of a further alternate embodiment of the mobile phone of the present invention is illustrated therein and generally designated 350. The mobile phone 350 utilizes one or more distinctive tones generally represented by the notes designated 352 each of which tones corresponds to a given selection key 106, 112, 128, for example, associated with next possible operative sub-functionalities available for user selection. The various distinctive tones are broadcast from the mobile phone speaker or ear piece as generally indicated by the broadcast arrow symbol 354. It is contemplated that the distinctive tones 352 could be user selectable for assignment to a corresponding selection key as desired. As also indicated in FIG. 19, an icon of a key generally designated 360 corresponding to a short-cut key for carrying out the operational sequence progression steps corresponding to the selected desired operational functionality is illustrated on the display 102. In the illustrated example, a number 1 is shown in brackets on the display screen 102 indicating to the user that the key number 1 on the keypad 104 is the short-cut key to carry out the operational sequence associated with the selected desired operational functionality. For example, the short-cut key shown in the bracket may indicate a save function, a reload function, or a toggle function with each function corresponding to a different identified key.

Turning to FIG. 20, a schematic representation of a further alternate embodiment of the mobile phone of the present invention is illustrated therein and generally designated 380. In the mobile phone 380, a menu list of features generally designated 382 is shown on the display 102 wherein one or more of the next feature selections shown in the menu list are available in the menu driven operational function selected. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20, the user is made aware by voice announcement of one or more of the next feature selections available corresponding to the keys on the keypad 104 to hint at the next possible sub-functionality operations available for selection. The voice announcement is generally designated 384 and is transmitted or broadcast from the mobile phone 380 via the speaker or ear piece. For example, the voice announcement may indicate that the “FIND” function is associated with the control key 128 and may be in the form of a voice message “for FIND, press number 2”. The user may respond by pressing the appropriate associated key announced by the voice announcement or may respond by speaking the name of the key as generally indicated by the voice response arrow 386 to select the desired sub-functionality.

Turning now to FIG. 21, a schematic block diagram showing the major functional elements of an alternate embodiment of the mobile phone of the present invention is illustrated therein and generally designated 420. Electronic circuit means 402 appropriate for carrying out the functions of the cellular telephone is provided. A controller circuit means 404 which may be part of the electronic circuit means 402, but for purposes of explanation is shown as a separate functional element in FIG. 21 cooperates with an instruction set contained within a memory means 406 and means for input and function selection 408 and a display means 410 for showing the alphanumeric text messages, commands, graphics or other indicia, pictorials and representations as may be desired or required. A tone generator circuit means 422 cooperates with the controller means to generate the various tones as required to identify the various associated keys for selection. A voice generator circuit means is optionally provided and cooperates with the controller means to provide the voice announcement to alert the user regarding next feature selections available in a menu driven operational function. A voice recognition circuit means generally designated 426 cooperates with the electronic circuit means to recognize voice input to the mobile phone for selecting next features associated with corresponding to the selection key spoken. The operation and interconnection of the major functional elements of the mobile phone are well known to those skilled in the art and the reader is referred to appropriate literature and instruction manuals that are generally available for further details and which literature and manuals are incorporated herein by reference to the extent needed to provide further explanation of the operation of the major functional elements.

Turning now to FIG. 22, a flow chart generally designated 450 is illustrated therein showing one embodiment of the method of the present invention for hinting at next possible operative sub-functionalities available for selection corresponding to the given operational context and sequence progression step in the selected desired operational functionality in a mobile telephone, particularly a cellular telephone. The method illustrated in the flow chart 450 begins with the start step 452 wherein the user determines or identifies the particular function or feature and selects the desired function in step 454. The selected desired function is identified and sensed through the detection of operation of a given selection or control key in step 456. The method determines whether or not additional functionalities or sub-functionalities are available in step 458 for the particular operation detected in step 454. If additional functionalities are available, the method moves to step 460 in which all associated keys to select the possible sub-functionalities are identified. The system next moves to step 462 to illuminate or display a key for each of the associated keys identified in step 460. The user then operates in step 464 one of the keys identified in step 460 and illuminated or displayed in step 462. Upon operation of the given key the sub-functionality corresponding to the associated key is displayed in step 466. The method may return to step 464 to operate additional keys and display the sub-functionality corresponding to the associated operated key in step 466. If no additional keys are operated in the method step 464 then the desired functionality is selected in step 468 and the desired function is completed in step 470 with the method ending with step 472. If it is determined in step 458 that no additional functionalities are available for the function selected in step 454 the system moves to the step 470 to complete the desired function and the method ends with the end step 472.

FIG. 23 illustrates a flow chart generally designated 500 showing an alternate embodiment of the method of the present invention for hinting at next possible operative sub-functionalities available for selection corresponding to the given operational context and sequence progression step in the selected desired operational functionality in the mobile telephone, particularly a cellular telephone. The method begins with the start step 502 wherein the user identifies a particular or specific feature or function is identified. The desired feature or function is selected in 504 and the operation of the key or other action is detected in step 506. It is next detected in step 508 if additional sub-functionalities are available for selection for the desired function selected in step 504 corresponding to the detected operating sequence in 506. If additional sub-functionalities are available, the associated sub-functionality key is identified in step 510. The method then determines in step 512 whether additional sub-functionality keys are available and if so, the method returns to step 510 to identify the associated sub-functionality key. If it is determined in step 512 that no additional sub-functionality keys are available, a key corresponding to the desired functionality is operated in step 514 to select the functionality. The method then moves to step 516 to display the functionality corresponding to the key operated in step 514. The displayed functionality is selected in step 518 and its operating sequence is detected in step 506. The method will then determine in step 508 if additional sub-functionalities are available based on the selected functionality in step 518 and on the operating sequence detected in step 506. If additional sub-functionalities are available as determined in step 508 the method then moves to step 510 to identify the associated sub-functionality key and proceeds as described above. If it is determined in step 508 that no additional sub-functionalities are available for the desired function selected in step 504 as detected through the operating sequence of step 506 the method moves to step 520 to complete the desired function. Likewise, the system moves to complete the functionality selected in step 518 and terminates with the end step 522. It will be recognized and appreciated that multiple iterations may occur depending upon the specific sub-functionality selected in the method causing different associated sub-functionality keys to be identified to hint at next possible user operation according to the given operational context and sequence progression step in the selected desired operational functionality.

Turning now to FIG. 24, a flowchart generally designated 550 illustrates a further alternate embodiment of the method of the present invention for hinting at next possible operative sub-functionality available for selection corresponding to the given operational context and sequence progression step in the selected desired operational functionality during operation of the mobile telephone. The method that begins with the start step 552 wherein the function or feature desired for selection is selected in step 554. The method determines in step 556 additional sub-functionalities available corresponding to the desired function selected in step 554. The system then identifies in step 558 corresponding available functionalities for the selected function. The method then displays all the key symbols or icons associated with the identified available sub-functionalities in step 560. The method then operates a key corresponding to the key symbol or icon displayed in step 562 which causes the functionality associated with the operated key to be displayed in step 564. It is next determined in step 566 if the desired functionality is displayed. If the desired functionality is displayed then the method moves to step 568 wherein the functionality is selected and the desired function is completed in step 570 and terminates with the end step 572. If it is determined in step 556 that no additional sub-functionalities are available, the system moves to step 570 to complete the desired function and terminates with the end step 572. If it is determined in step 566 that the desired functionality is not displayed then the system moves to step 574 to determine if additional keys are available. If additional keys are available then the system moves to step 562 and the key corresponding to the additional available functionality key is operated and the functionality associated with the operated key is displayed in step 564. If the desired functionality is displayed in step 566 then the method moves to step 568 to select the displayed functionality and the method continues as described above. If in step 574 it is determined that no additional keys are available then the method moves to step 568 to select the displayed functionality or terminates with the end step 572.

A mobile telephone such as a cellular telephone having hinting capabilities for making a user aware of possible next functions available for selection corresponding to the given operational context and sequence progression step in the selected desired operational functionality has been described above in several embodiments along with a related method for carrying out the hinting capability in the mobile telephone. Numerous changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the cellular telephone art, for example, the sequence of presenting a history list of URL addresses may appear at different progression steps other than that described above. In addition, other control keys and selection keys may be available and other activation means such as voice activation and audio response may be employed to carry out the function and intent of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention has been described by way of example rather than limitation. 

1. An apparatus, comprising: one or more modules arranged and configured for determining in a device an operational context of a given functionality; one or more modules arranged and configured for providing in response to the determined operational context, one or more operative sub-functionalities for selection associated with the determined operational context; and one or more modules arranged and configured for hinting at one or more one next probable operative sub-functionalities of the one or more operative sub-functionalities associated with the determined operational context.
 2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the at least one next probable operative sub-functionality is hinted at via a suitable alerting mechanism in response to a chosen desired operational context.
 3. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein the suitable alerting mechanism comprises one or more selection hinting indicators arranged and configured for activation each of which respective selection hinting indicator is associated with a next probable operative sub-functionality.
 4. The apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein a text menu list containing at least one next probable operative sub-functionality is displayed in response to the operation of a corresponding one of said one or more selection hinting indicators.
 5. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 further comprising one or more modules arranged and configured for activating said suitable alerting mechanism.
 6. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 further comprising one or more modules arranged and configured for deactivating said suitable alerting mechanism.
 7. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said suitable alerting mechanism further comprises one or more user action prompting instructions.
 8. The apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said user action prompting instruction is a text message representation.
 9. The apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said user action prompting instruction is a graphic message representation.
 10. The apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said activated selection hinting indicator is illuminated.
 11. The apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said activated selection hinting indicator is arranged to flash on and off.
 12. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein the suitable alerting mechanism comprises one or more selection hinting indicators graphically represented on a display of the apparatus each of which graphically represented selection hinting indicators is configured and associated with a next probable operative sub-functionality corresponding to the given operational context and sequence progression step in the selected desired operational sub-functionality.
 13. The apparatus as defined in claim 12, wherein said one or more selection hinting indicators respond to contact by a screen touch operation.
 14. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 further configured as one of a mobile phone, mobile telephone, cellular telephone.
 15. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said suitable alerting mechanism comprises one or more distinctive tones each of which tones corresponds to a given selection hinting indicator associated with a next probable operative sub-functionality available for user selection.
 16. The apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said suitable alerting mechanism comprises an icon of a selection hinting indicator corresponding to a short-cut key for carrying out the operational sequence progression steps corresponding to the selected desired operational sub-functionality.
 17. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising at least one menu driven operational sub-functionality.
 18. The apparatus as defined in claim 17 wherein said one or more modules arranged and configured for hinting at one or more one next probable operative sub-functionalities is arranged for voice announcement of the one or more hinted next operative sub-functionality selections available from a list of operative sub-functionalities in the menu driven operational functionality.
 19. The apparatus as defined in claim 18 wherein said one or more modules for hinting at one or more one next probable operative sub-functionalities is arranged for voice recognition for responding to a spoken selection.
 20. The apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein said activated selection hinting indicator is color illuminated.
 21. A method, comprising: determining in a device an operational context of a given functionality; providing in response to the determined operational context, one or more operative sub-functionalities for selection associated with the determined operational context; and hinting at one or more next probable operative sub-functionalities of the one or more operative sub-functionalities associated with the determined operational context.
 22. The method as defined in claim 21 further comprising identifying all operative sub-functionalities available for selection.
 23. The method as defined in claim 21 further comprising: associating a suitable alerting mechanism of the device with each of the operative sub-functionalities as a hinting indicator; and activating the hinting indicator for hinting of its availability for selection as a next probable operational sub-functionality.
 24. The method as defined in claim 23 wherein activating the hinting indicator further comprises illuminating the hinting indicator.
 25. The method as defined in claim 24 wherein illuminating the hinting indicator further comprises flashing the hinting indicator on and off.
 26. The method as defined in claim 21 wherein hinting at the one or more next probable operative sub-functionalities further comprises showing an icon representing the associated hinting indicator on a display of the device for hinting of its availability for selection as a next probable operational sub-functionality.
 27. The method as defined in claim 26 wherein the associated hinting indicator is a short-cut key.
 28. The method as defined in claim 23 further comprising providing one or more distinctive audio tones each of which tones corresponds to an identified associated hinting indicator.
 29. The method as defined in claim 23 further comprising operating one or more of the associated hinting indicators to select the operational sub-functionality corresponding to the activated associated hinting indicator.
 30. The method as defined in claim 27 further comprising operating one or more of the associated hinting indicators through voice recognition operation by speaking the name of the hinting indicator.
 31. The apparatus as defined in claim 26, further comprising a hinting indicator responding to contact by a screen touch operation.
 32. The method as defined in claim 24 wherein activating the hinting indicator further comprises illuminating the hinting indicator in a color.
 33. A computer readable medium encoded with a computer program for carrying out a method comprising: determining in a device an operational context of a given functionality; providing in response to the determined operational context, one or more operative sub-functionalities for selection associated with the determined operational context; and hinting at one or more next probable operative sub-functionalities of the one or more available operative sub-functionalities associated with the determined operational context.
 34. An apparatus, comprising: means for determining in a device an operational context of a given functionality; means for providing in response to the determined operational context, one or more operative sub-functionalities for selection associated with the determined operational context; and means for hinting at one or more one next probable operative sub-functionalities of the one or more operative sub-functionalities associated with the determined operational context. 